Pantech Projects 20% Rise in Handset Sales in U.S.

Pantech Group - South Korea’s second biggest mobile phone manufacturer - announced details of its plans to ramp up sales in the U.S. by 20% in 2006, through a greater focus on developing its brand awareness in the market place and an increase in direct supplies to major U.S. service operators.

Pantech, which is currently participating in the 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the world's largest consumer technology tradeshow, expects to increase direct supplies to U.S. service operators by up to 70% this year through its subsidiary Pantech Wireless, Inc. in order to build its market share and brand presence in the U.S.

Dr. Moon S. Song, President & CEO, Pantech & Curitel Communications, Inc., said: "Even though we are a relatively young company, we have built a strong reputation in the provision of top quality, stylishly designed, yet affordable products to consumers. Our focus now is to broaden our global presence across all markets, particularly in the U.S."

"Our diverse and innovative product range is expected to appeal to U.S. consumers and further enhance the presence of the Pantech brand across all 50 states. We are confident that we will experience the same success here as in other key global markets in recent years".

At CES 2006, Pantech plans to showcase its distinctive GSM slim series - the PG1400, PG1500, PG-3500, and PG-3600 handsets - aimed at the global market. Another unique GSM model - featuring a 1.5 inch 260K color main LCD with VGA camera, MP3 ringtones, photo and video caller ID - targeted at the Latin American market will also be on display.

Pantech also plans to roll out a range of cutting edge CDMA handsets in the U.S. over the coming months, including the PN-205 and the PN-212, both of which are equipped with 65K CSTN LCD, 32 polyphonic ringtones and speaker phones. The PN-212 also features a VGA CMOS camera and supports WAP, BREW and JAVA functionality.

Pantech initiated its U.S. operations in 1998 through an original design manufacturing relationship with American electronics distributor Audiovox, and has since grown steadily, with estimated U.S. sales of seven million units in 2005.